Part 118
PASS, (_passade_, _Fr._) in fencing, a leap or advance upon the enemy.
_To_ PASS, to march by open order of columns, for the purpose of saluting a reviewing general. Each division or company (on its march) will open its ranks at 20 paces distance from the general, and again close them, after it has passed 15 paces. The whole march in slow time, till the leading division arrives at the spot where the left of the battalion originally stood. The commanding officer then halts the regiment, the music ceases to play, and the different divisions with supported arms march in quick time until they have completed the third wheel from the ground of original formation; when arms are ordered to be carried, the music plays, and as each division completes the third wheel, the officers shift to the right, and the whole pass the general.
PASS _of arms_. In ancient chivalry, a bridge, road, &c. which the knights undertook to defend, and which was not to be passed without fighting the person who kept it. He, who was disposed to dispute the pass, touched one of the armories of the other knight who held the pass, that were hung on pales, columns, &c. erected for the purpose; and this was a challenge which the other was obliged to accept. The vanquished gave the conqueror such prize as was agreed on.
PASS-_parole_, a command or word which is given out at the head of an army, and from thence passed from mouth to mouth, till it reach the rear.
PASS-_port_, a letter of licence which is given by a government, granting safe conduct to travel, enter, and go out of its territories without molestation; this is properly given to friends and neutral persons; and the safe conduct to enemies.
PASS, _All’s Well_, a term used by a British sentry after he has challenged a person that comes near his post, and has given him the proper parole, watchword, or countersign. See ROUNDS.
PASSADE, _Fr._ See PASS.
PASSADE, in the _manege_, is a horse’s walking or trotting in such a manner, that he raises the outward hind-leg and the inward fore-leg together; and, setting these two on the ground, raises the other two alternately, never gaining above a foot of ground at a time.
_Demander la_ PASSADE, _Fr._ This term is used among the French to express the act of soliciting charity out of the usual way of persons begging, or who have not been accustomed to ask alms. _Donner la passade a un pauvre soldat_; to give alms to a poor soldier. _Il y avoit sur le chemin beaucoup de soldats qui demandoient la passade_; there were many soldiers on the road who asked charity.
PASSAGE, (_passage_, _Fr._) This word, as to its general import, does not require explanation. It is familiar to everybody. In a military sense it may be variously understood for passages made over rivers or through defiles, which should always be secured when an army is on its march. Dragoons or light cavalry are generally employed upon this service, being, by the celerity of their motions, better calculated to get the start of an enemy. Passes through mountainous countries, and passages over rivers, may likewise be secured by means of light field pieces and flying artillery. The latter are particularly calculated for defiles. Intrenching tools, &c. must be carried with them.
If it be found expedient to cross a river, a sufficient number of pontoons, must accompany the detachment. Should the river be fordable, and a body of infantry have been brought up in time to act with the cavalry, the former must instantly make good its footing on the opposite side, carrying intrenching tools, &c. for the purpose of fortifying the _tête du pont_, and thereby securing the passage of the river. Rivers are crossed either by surprise, or by main force.
When the passage is to be effected by surprise, such movements and feints must be resorted to, as may induce the enemy to direct his means of opposition to a distant quarter from the one you have in contemplation. Every precaution must be taken to prevent him from getting the least intelligence respecting your boats of pontoons; and on this account you must frequently countermarch different bodies of troops to divert his attention. When the passage is to be effected by main force, you must take such a position as will enable you to command the one occupied by the enemy, and you must select that part of the river where there are small islands or creeks, under cover of which the boats and barges may ply.
Those spots upon the banks of a river are best calculated for this enterprise, where the stream forms a rentrant angle, because it is more easy, in cases of that sort, to plant your batteries in such a manner as to afford a cross fire against the opposite bank. The instant you have dislodged the enemy, by means of a superior force of artillery (which you must always provide for the purpose in question) a strong detachment composed of grenadiers, and other chosen troops, must cross in boats or barges, in order to stand the first shock of the enemy, under a well supported fire of artillery.
When this detachment has made good its footing, the boats or barges must instantly row back for fresh troops, whilst the pioneers, artificers, and workmen, who accompanied the grenadiers, throw up temporary redoubts, and are protected by the fire of the troops that have landed. As soon as the works are sufficiently advanced, and an adequate number of men has been distributed in them to secure the post, the bridge must be undertaken. Its head or tete must be made as strong as possible, to keep the enemy in check should he return, and endeavor to dislodge the advanced guard.
The main body must be put in motion shortly after the departure of the first detachment, in order to support the latter, should the enemy succeed in making a bold push to defeat it, and thereby prevent the numberless disadvantages which must ensue, if the army were permitted to cross the river, or to pass the defile without opposition.
When the passage of a large river can be happily effected by means of a bridge, considerable advantages may be derived from it; most especially when the army is thereby enabled to reach a defile or pass, the possession of which enables a general to distribute his troops in desultory quarters. Marshal Turenne, in his famous passage over the Wesel in 1672, has afforded us a strong instance of this advantage. Marshal Saxe has written largely upon this important operation; and every general officer ought to be thoroughly versed in the ways and means of executing it under all the various circumstances that occur in the locality of ground, the peculiar nature of rivers, and the possible resources of an enemy, that is determined to dispute his passage. But the most memorable of all that is recorded in history are the passages of the Danube below Vienna, in 1809, which merit the study of every military man.
Soldiers should be frequently practised in the different evolutions which are required to pass a bridge in a safe and military manner. Bridges, defiles, &c. being obstacles that retard the movements of an army, whose object is to advance, we refer our readers for a full elucidation of the subject, under the article OBSTACLE.
PASSAGE, _Fr._. a term which relates to the reception of a knight, in the order of Malta.
PASSAGE of bridges or defiles when a battalion or line stands on narrow ground.
A battalion, standing in narrow ground, may sometimes be ordered to march in file for the purpose of forming open column; and passing a defile, either before or behind that flank, before or behind the other flank, or before or behind any central point of that line.
_Received Rules._
1. _If before the right flank_--The right platoon will move on, the rest of the battalion will face to the right, and march in file, the divisions will successively front and follow the leading one, and each other.
2. _If behind the right flank_--The whole face to the right and _march_, the right division instantly countermarches to the rear, _fronts_, and moves forward, followed in the same manner by every other division, till the whole is in column.
But the following method of passing in open column, would save a great deal of time which is unnecessarily lost by countermarching each division separately, as they successively arrive on the ground where the right division stood before it marched off to the rear.
1st. Countermarch the whole of the divisions at the same time, and on the same ground which they severally occupy in the line.
2d. Face the whole (except the right division) to the left, which moves forward on the word _march_ from the chief. The divisions as they successively arrive on the ground from which the first division marched, will halt and _front_, follow the leading one and each other, till the whole are in column.
_Received Rules._
3. _If before any central point, or the left flank_--The battalion makes a successive _countermarch_ from the right flank towards the left, and when the right division arrives at the point from whence it is to advance, it again _countermarches_ to its right, a space equal to its front, then faces and moves on, and is thus successively followed by part of the battalion. The other part of the battalion beyond the point of advancing, _faces_ inwards, when necessary, makes a progressive march in file, then fronts, and follows by divisions as it comes to the turn of each, till the whole are in column.
_A different Method._
Instead of passing according to the above method, much time may be gained, by the divisions on the right of the defile facing to the left, (commencing with the right division) march in file till opposite, and in full front of the division which is opposite the defile, or where the column is to advance from, then front, march forward, followed by the other divisions; the divisions on the left of the defile will face inwards, and when necessary, make a progressive march in file, followed as before, till the whole are in column.
_Received Rule._
4. _If behind the centre or the left flank._--The right part of the battalion _countermarches_ from the right by files successively by the rear; and the other part of the battalion, as is necessary, makes a progressive march by files from its right to the central point, and there begins to countermarch at that point, the leading and each other division, fronts into column, and moves on.
_A different Method._
To avoid loss of time in countermarching the divisions on the left as they successively arrive at the point they march from. Countermarch those divisions first on the ground they severally stand on, then face to the _left_; and when it comes to their turn march in file, front, and following in column, as they progressively and successively arrive opposite the point where the right division entered the defile.
It must be observed that in all _countermarches_ of divisions on the ground they severally stand on, when passing to the rear, the division which stands opposite the point from which they are to march, must _countermarch_ at the same time with the other divisions. See _Am. Mil. Lib._
PASSAGE _of Lines_. In narrow grounds, where there are redoubled lines, and in many other situations, it becomes necessary for one battalion to _pass_ directly through another, in marching either to front or rear. This must particularly happen, when a first line, which has suffered in action, retires through, and makes place for a second line which has come forward to support it; or, the second line remaining posted, when the first falls back, and retires through it, and thus alternately, till a safe position is attained.
PASSAGE _of the Traverse_, an opening out in the parapet of the covert-way, close to the traverses, that there may be a ready communication with all parts of the covert-way.
PASSAGE, in the manege, an action wherein the horse raises a hind and fore leg together; then setting these two on the ground, he raises the other two: and thus alternately, never gaining above a foot of ground at a time.
PASSAGE, _Fr._. to passage, a term used in the manege.
PASSAGER _un cheval_, _Fr._ to make a horse passage. It is likewise used as a neutral verb, viz. _un cheval passage_, a horse passages.
PASSANDEAU, _Fr._. an ancient piece of ordnance, which carried an eight pound ball, and weighed three thousand five hundred pounds.
_Chemin_ PASSANT, _Fr._. a thoroughfare.
PASSAVANT, _Fr._. a pass. This term is not used in a military sense, but relates chiefly to commercial matters.
PASSE, _Fr._. See PASS.
PASSES-_Balles_, _Fr._ boards or machines made of iron or brass, used in disparting cannon, and fitted to every species of calibre.
PASSE-_Mur_, _Fr._ a piece of ordnance formerly so called, which carried a sixteen pound ball, and weighed four thousand two hundred pounds.
PASSE-_par-tout_, _Fr._ a large saw, the teeth of which are irregularly made, for the purpose of cutting forest trees asunder.
PASSE-_par-tout_, _Fr._ a master key.
PASSE-_vogue_, _Fr._ Any extraordinary effort that is made in rowing is so called.
PASSE-_Parole_, _Fr._ This expression is used among the French in an absolute sense, and signifies to give the parole, order, or countersign. When troops are on service, or upon duty, they have frequent occasion to adopt it, especially during the rounds. _Avance passe-parole_. Advance, and give the parole or countersign.
PASSE-_Volant_, _Fr._ any man that is not really in the service, and who stands to be mustered for the purpose of completing the supposed number of effectives in a regiment, or on board a ship of war. They are likewise called _soldats prêtés_, _Borrowed soldiers_. During the existence of the old French government, the strictest regulations were made to prevent the gross impositions that were sometimes practised by means of _passe-volans_ or faggots.
PASSE-_Volans_ likewise means those wooden pieces of ordnance which are made to resemble real artillery, and fill up the vacant places in a ship. They were first adopted by the French, in consequence of a regulation which was made by M. de Pontchartrain, when he became minister of the marine department. He gave orders, that no vessels, except such as carried 16 guns, should sail to and from America. In order to comply, at least in outward appearance, with this regulation, the merchants had recourse to _pass-volans_, or wooden substitutes, they are called by us _quaker guns_. More advantages than one are indeed derived from this invention, which has been adopted in every civilized country.
PASSE-_chevaux_, _Fr._ ferry for horses.
PASSER, _Fr._ to pass. This word has various significations both in French and English, but chiefly in the former language.
PASSER _en revue_, _Fr._ to muster.
PASSER _à compte_, _Fr._ to allow in reckoning.
PASSER _au fil de l’épée_, _Fr._ to put to the sword.
PASSER _par les baguettes_, _Fr._ to run the gauntlet.
PASSER _par les armes_, _Fr._ to be shot.
PASSER _à la montre_, _Fr._ to pass muster.
PASSER _par la main du bourreau_, _Fr._ to be flogged, or otherwise punished, by the public hangman.
PASSER _la riviére_, _passer la ligne_, _Fr._ to cross the river, to cross the line.
PASSER _par les courroies_, _Fr._ to be picketed.
PASSER _un homme à un officier_, _Fr._ to allow an officer the pay and subsistence of a private soldier for the maintenance of a servant. The term is also used to express the receipt of any public allowance for sinecure places.
PASSER _sur le ventre à une armée_, _Fr._ to defeat an army.
PASSEUR, _Fr._ a ferryman.
PATACHE, _Fr._ This word sometimes means an advice boat; but it more generally signifies an armed tender, or a revenue cutter.
PATE, _Fr._ in fortification, a sort of horse-shoe, that is, a platform, or terre-pleine, irregularly built, yet generally constructed in an oval form. It is surrounded by a parapet, without any thing to flank it, and having no other defence than what is front or fore-right. _Pates_ are usually erected in marshy grounds to cover the gate of a fortified town or place.
PATERERO, a small cannon managed by a swivel.
PATIENCE, the power or faculty of suffering; indurance; the power of expecting long, without rage or discontent; the power of supporting faults or injuries, without revenge; long suffering. In military life patience is an essential requisite. Without patience half the toils of war would be insupportable; with patience there are scarcely any hardships but what coolness, courage, and ability may overcome. It is one of the greatest virtues, indeed, in an officer or soldier patiently to support, not only the rigor of discipline, but the keen and vexatious circumstances of disappointment. Rousseau says, _La patience est amêre, mais son fruit est doux_. Patience is a bitter root, but its fruit is sweet.
PATOMAR, _Ind._ a two mast vessel: each mast carries one sail of four unequal sides. It likewise means a messenger.
PATRICIAN, from the Latin _Patricius_, one descended from a noble family. The term was used among the Romans, to distinguish the higher class of the inhabitants of Rome from the lower, who were called plebeians. Romulus, as soon as the city of Rome was tolerably well filled with inhabitants, made a distinction of the people. The names Peter, Patrick, are from _pater_ a father; the Roman senate were called _Patres_ conscripti. See PATRON.
_Order of St._ PATRICK. There is only one order of knighthood which belongs to Ireland; it is that of St. Patrick, and was created by Geo. III. for corrupt purposes.
PATRIOT, a sincere and unbiassed friend to his country; an advocate for general civilization, uniting, in his conduct through life, moral rectitude with political integrity. Such a character is seldom found in any country; but the specious appearance of it is to be seen every where, most especially in Europe. It is difficult to say, how far the term can be used in a military sense, although it is not uncommon to read of a _citizen soldier_, and a _patriot soldier_. Individually considered the term may be just, but it is hardly to be understood collectively.
PATROL, any party or round of soldiers, to the number of five or six, with a serjeant to command them. These men are detached from the main guard, picquet, or quarter-guard, according to circumstances, to walk round the streets of a garrison town, &c. for the purpose of taking up disorderly persons, or such as cannot give an account of themselves. It is their duty to see, that the soldiers and inhabitants of the place repair to their quarters and dwelling-houses, (in conformity to specific directions which are given out to that effect) and that alehouses and sutlers’ booths are shut up at a seasonable hour. They are likewise to take up every person they meet without a light, and that cannot give the watchword or countersign when he is challenged. All such persons must be conducted to the guard-house, and a report made of them to the commandant or governor of the place, by the town-major.
PATROLES are formed out of the infantry as well as the cavalry. When a weak place is besieged, and there is reason to apprehend an assault, strong patroles are ordered to do duty; these on foot keep a good look out from the ramparts, and those that are mounted take care of the outworks.
PATRON, one who countenances, supports, or protects. Every superior officer, from the commander in chief to the lowest non-commissioned officer, may, in a military sense, be called a patron; for it is the duty of all persons, in authority, to countenance, support, and protect every executive member in the service. Partialities on the other hand, (whatever may be their sources) are the bane of order and good discipline. In proportion as merit finds patrons among the good and great, indolence and inability should be discountenanced and degraded.
Kennett in his Roman Antiquities, page 97, has the following passage, on the origin of the word:--
Romulus, as soon as his city was tolerably well filled with inhabitants, made a distinction of the people according to honor and quality; giving the better sort the name of Patres or Patricii, and the rest the common title of Plebeii. To bind the two degrees more firmly together, he recommended to the patricians some of the plebians, to protect and countenance; the former being stiled _Patroni_, and the latter _Clientes_. The patrons were always their clients’ counsellors in difficult cases; their advocates in judgments; in short, their advisers and overseers in all affairs whatever. On the other side, the clients faithfully served their patrons, not only paying them all imaginable respect and deference, but if occasion required, assisting them with money towards the defraying of any extraordinary charges. But afterwards when the state grew rich and great, though all other good offices continued between them, yet it was thought a dishonorable thing for the better sort to take any money of their inferiors. (_Vide_ _Dionys. lib. 2_, _Liv. lib. 1._ _Plutarch in Romulo_.) Hence the origin of patrons. But the case is altered in modern times with respect to pecuniary interest. Gold, or something more solid in the sale of liberty and good sense, buys a patron now.
PATRON, _Fr._ Among the French the captain of a trading vessel is so named. There were likewise sea-faring men called _officiers mariniers_, who served on board the French ships of war, and who were entrusted with the management of sloops and barges. These were generally called patrons.
PATRONS, (_Galére patrons_, _Fr._) The galley which was second in rank at Marseilles, was so called. It was commanded by the lieutenant-general of the gallies, who took precedence in that line in the same manner that the vice-admiral of the French fleet did among ships of war.
PATROUILLE. See PATROL.
PATTE, _Fr._ a term used in mining. When a well or excavation is made in loose or crumbling earth, and it becomes necessary to frame it in, the rafters must be laid horizontally to support the boards in proportion as the workmen gain depth. The ends of the rafters that are first laid, run ten or twelve inches beyond the borders of the well, for the purpose of sustaining the platform. These supports are called _Oreilles_; consequently, that every subsequent frame may be supported, the second is attached or made firm to the first by means of the ends of boards which are nailed together. In this manner the third is joined to the second, and the fourth to the third. These ends are called _pattes_ or handles.
PATTE _d’Oie_, _Fr._ a term used in mining to describe three small branches which are practised, or run out at the extremity of a gallery. They are so called from their resemblance to the foot of a goose.
PATTERN, a part shewn as a sample for the rest. In a late regulation relative to the inspection of the clothing of the British army in general, it is particularly directed, that regular inspectors, or the inspectors for the time being, do view and compare with the sealed patterns the clothing of the several regiments of cavalry and infantry, as soon as the same shall have been prepared by the respective clothiers; and if the clothing appear to be conformable to the sealed patterns, the said inspectors are to grant two certificates of their view and approval thereof, one of which certificates is to be delivered to the clothier, to be sent with the clothing to the head quarters of the corps; and the other to be lodged with the clothing board, as the necessary voucher for passing the assignment of the allowance for the said clothing.
_A_ PATTERN _Regiment_, a phrase of distinction, which is applied to a corps of officers and soldiers, who are remarkable for their observance of good order and discipline.
PATURE, _Fr._ See FORAGE.
PATUREUR, _Fr._ _Forager_, one who goes on a foraging party.
PAVALUNGE, _Ind._ the name of a year.
PAUDSHAU, _Ind._ King.